But what would they get for a player that could be out of action for a possible 21-months?

South Korean sports stars who had to complete military service

Chan Sung-Jung - The MMA fighter who competes in the UFC, couldn't avoid his turn for service. The 'Korean Zombie' was ranked 5th in the world in the featherweight division before he had to return to South Korea in 2014. Two-years later he was back competing again.Sangmoon Bae - The pro golfer was ranked 26th in the world at one point, having scored over £4m in prize money in a promising start to his career. However, he had to return to South Korea in 2015 and learned how to be a rifleman. He's now world number 918.

Seol Ki-hyeon - The former Wolves star had the threat of military service looking over him and his career could've been interrupted. However, due to South Korea's astonishing run in the 2002 World Cup, where they made the semi finals, he only had to do a month's worth of service.Ha Seung-Jin - South Korea's 7'3" NBA star did play for a couple of seasons at the Portland Trailblazers. However, his basketball career was put on hold for two years when he was 27-years-old to complete his military service. He hasn't played in the NBA since.

That looming threat of compulsory military service refuses to go away, and it could've done two years ago.

Had Son won a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, he would've been excused. Sadly, they lost agonisingly in the quarter finals to Honduras.

Getty Images - Getty

Spurs star Heung-Min Son could have to learn sniper training during his mandatory military service

But the upcoming Asian Games could present the wide man with his last chance to beat the system.

In the long run, even if Spurs do lose their star man for the beginning of next season, it may work out that they could get to keep him for a lot longer.